U.S. SENATOR RAND PAUL

Governor Cuomo addressed a rally of thousands of students, parents, teachers, and advocates who traveled to Albany Tuesday to support charter schools in New York State.

(Cuomo 3-5-14)

Education continues to be one of the biggest portions of the state budget each year; the budget is due on April 1st.

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Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced he would run for the Republican nomination to challenge Governor Andrew Cuomo. Astorino released a video message informing the public of his decision. Astorino was elected to his second term in November in Westchester County; he has been traveling the state courting support from GOP chairmen and potential donors. Last month, Astorino opened an “Astorino for Governor” campaign account, which allowed him to raise campaign funds at the higher limits set for statewide candidates. The state Republican Party convention is scheduled for May in Rye Brook.

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Lawmakers and those who look after the state’s infrastructure are urging state leadership to fund local road & bridge projects in the next state budget. Area Assemblyman Pete Lopez comments:

(Lopez 3-5-14)

Lopez said that many secondary roads were heavily damaged by the harsh winter weather this year, and are in need of repair beyond the usual levels.

Governor Cuomo announced the release of $130,000 for the “FreshConnect” Farmers’ Market program, which assists New York farmers by promoting the sale of locally grown food products. The program focuses on bringing fresh farm products to underserved communities and improving nutrition education statewide. For more information go to freshconnect.ny.gov.

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The Binghamton Mets will hold their annual “Welcome Back B-Mets” Dinner on Wednesday, April 2nd at the DoubleTree Hotel by Hilton in downtown Binghamton. Tickets are $25.00 per person. Tickets may be purchased by calling 723-METS or in person at NYSEG Stadium. The B-Mets season begins on Thursday, April 3 against Akron at NYSEG Stadium at 6:35 PM.

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The settlement over land and taxes, between New York State and the Oneida Indian Nation, was ratified by a federal judge yesterday. The Oneidas will pay $50 million a year to the state, from gambling revenues at Turning Stone casino, in return for a casino monopoly in a 10-county area. Both sides say the settlement ends decades of legal battles between the Oneidas and the state and Madison and Oneida counties.

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CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION OFFERS 2 “FROM GARDEN TO TABLE WORKSHOPS” IN SIDNEY starting this month. Families with preschoolers and toddlers are invited to a FREE program on nutrition and gardening. The classes will include a variety of interactive, hands-on activities and physical activity ideas. Registrations or more information is available at 865-6531.